Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain an adequate airspeed in the takeoff initial climb and the resultant inadvertent entry into a stall/mush condition. High density altitude and downdraft conditions were factors in the accident.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot and a passenger departed on a cross-country flight utilizing a short field takeoff technique from a dirt airstrip at a density altitude computed at 6,200 feet. The airstrip is located at 3,200 feet mean sea level. After lift-off, the airplane climbed to about 40 feet above the ground and then suddenly descended to the ground. The airplane struck a fence and an earth compacting machine. The pilot reported that he encountered a downdraft or windshear condition.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 18, 1994, about 1430 hours Pacific daylight time, a Grumman AA-5B, N4553R, crashed during takeoff from the Holiday Valley Ranch Airport, a private dirt airstrip about 7 miles east of Apple Valley, California. The airplane was being operated by the pilot as a visual flight rules (VFR) cross-country personal flight to Banning, California, when the accident occurred. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The certificated private pilot and a passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The pilot reported that prior to departure he reviewed and planned a short field takeoff under high density altitude conditions. After lift-off from runway 06, about 40 feet above the ground, the airplane entered a downdraft and/or windshear and the airplane descended to the ground. The airplane then struck a fence and a large, earth compacting machine. The airplane received damage to the landing gear, fuselage, and engine. -